We went off to see the Minister... the wonderful Minister of... Scotland?

Well time keeps passing and the wedding is getting closer!  So much has been happening regarding I have barely had time to post, let alone think of posting!  So I am going to try to post a few times this week to catch everyone up on all of the excitement as of late.

One of the most exciting wedding activities of late happened a few weeks ago when Brandon and I met with the minister who will be performing our wedding.  The Minister's name is Malcolm Sinclair (can you get more Scottish???). 

Our first encounter with the minister occurred at my cousin's wedding - so yes we did steal him from Ryan and Judy, but I figure in his line of work he is supposed to share his talents!  Right from the moment Brandon and I heard him preform the ceremony we knew that he would be the perfect choice for our big day.

The second encounter with the minister actually involved my parents when they attended a Robbie Burns dinner at the Old Mill back in January.  Malcolm was the MC for the night and provided a mixture of musical entertainment and humour for the guests to enjoy.  Therefore (to steal from Joey Tribbiani....), he is a minister and an entertainer, we have a "ministainer"...

I miss Friends...

The third (and most recent) encounter was obviously when we met at his church to discuss the details for our big day.  In typical "me" fashion I could barely stop vibrating as we discussed the plans for the 18th of September.  The weird thing about meeting with him was that meeting the minister is a "very" wedding-ish thing to do - I kept imagining the upcoming ceremony and picturing Brandon and I standing before him saying our vows (chills people, chills).

So that was the meeting with the minister, but there is so much more to tell!  So stay tuned (and this time I will keep up with the postings!).  THE WEDDING IS COMING!!!  ALMOST LESS THAN 100 DAYS!

From Mexico with Love... (In lieu of a postcard...)

Dear Brandon:

I made it to Mexico! Yes, yes, yes! I miss you like crazy, but frankly this place is amazing! The day started off with a limo ride to the airport, accompanied by a little champagne, a few photos and lots of smiles... mind you the days leading up to the trip were about as crazy as imaginable (WITH THE AIRLINE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS AND ALL- a little "off kilter" if I do say so myself), so I think such a start is only fair... While the airline going out of business was like a bad dream, I have to say the whole idea of the trip in the first place was like a good dream... as the major reason behind the trip was my parents wanted to take my sister and I on a final Greig family vacation... before we diversify and “officially” add you to our mix (which I cannot wait for!).

[NOTE TO READER: Did you note that the airline went out of business? Yes of course the airline went out of business; why would the airline want to stay in business? I go on vacations all the time after all. For more information visit: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/788090--skyservice-charter-airline-fails-860-jobless]

Once my family and I finished checking in we eagerly awaited our flight (picture a line of disgruntled people who have recently spent the last 48 hours balancing on the edge of their seat waiting to find out if they will be able to go to Mexico, that are then told that their flight was delayed by an hour...).

With a few minor issues (i.e. the Tim Hortons staff not understanding why we would like toppings on our bagels.... dry bagel does not work for me, nor does paste, but that is an entirely different conversation), our flight was called to line up... the good news - we were bumped up to FIRST CLASS!!!

[NOTE TO READER: Flying in first class may be eligible for the highlight filmstrip reel that will play at various intervals throughout the course of my life in my head when I feel in danger, excitement, and/or nostalgia, such a strip will include... Brandon proposing... Graduating university... Discovering Caramilk's secret... Rolling up the "rim" to be told that I have won a chance to play again... etc...)]

Upon landing in Huatulco (for more information visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huatulco) I came to the realization that the coolest place (well not literally) in the world to work in is an airport that is built as a hut... Can you beat that?

The resort we stayed at was called Las Brisas (can't remember what that means, but it was interesting...) and it is very much influenced by Spanish culture (no mass Westernization here).

[NOTE TO READER: Huatulco is practically on top of the equator (well not quite as it is still in North America, but closer than I have ever been), therefore, as you can imagine it is HOT! Originally I was panicked that since we were leaving weather that was approximately 25 degrees I would miss the one week we are allotted every year to celebrate Canadian summer, but as we landed back in Toronto in 2 degree weather it looks like my concerns were avoided.]

After lazing by the beach (AKA the Pacific Ocean, sigh) for a few days we signed up for a tour of the area. From tasting tequila, to avoiding chocolate covered grasshoppers, to living for the air conditioned bus, it was fascinating... one of the more interesting places we went was a textile factory... a place that inspired one of your souvenirs... I know it is your favourite: a table cloth with matching napkins. Please don't cry over such a gift, I scarified my own interests to provide you such a present, cough)

[NOTE TO READER: Don't worry Brandon did get "real" souvenirs, AKA a bowl and matching plate... cough, cough... kidding, he received a money clip and a beverage inspired t-shirt.]

I might be having a good time here...

Now before I progress any further I have to comment on one of the more "interesting" (cough) elements of the resort (cough, death defying)... the shuttle ride up to the rooms. As the resort is in the middle of the mountains a shuttle is really the only way to get around - please picture thin, winding roads, speeds faster than light, auto bond style driving, and efforts to save gas by cutting the engine and letting the vehicle roll... Anyway, we survived, at first I thought I was going to die and the filmstrip was playing like mad in my head, but by the end of the trip the daily shuttle ride was a favourite part.

Megan and Dad on the shuttle ride from &%$"/Q*...

Another day of the vacation included Megan and I hitting the water on a snorkelling trip in the Pacific Ocean. It was amazing! The tour guides were fantastic (not good looking at all without their shirts on, so please don’t worry that I was drooling all over the place) and were extremely helpfully with my diabetic “issues”.

[NOTE TO READER: The tour guides were so paranoid that I would die in the middle of the ocean somewhere – really appreciate that by the way – that they assigned a guide to Megan and I... unfortunately he swam without a shirt on... I feel that is just a mistake... chiselled abs should never really be exposed to daylight.]

Our last night in Mexico... What a Wonderful Family

Beyond the snorkelling trip every day was filled with weather over 40 degrees, sun, food, making pottery, more sun, food, sun, and more sun. The whole experience was incredible and while our flight home was delayed it didn’t matter because it just meant a few more hours in the sunny airport (huts are not great for keeping cool in...).

[NOTE TO READER: My parents got bumped up to first class on the way home... don’t worry I wasn’t jealous in the slightest.]

I missed you like crazy dear and for all our talk of running off to an island to get married... this emphasized how great it would be! However... the days are ticking by... ummm 160 at last count! And my anticipation is building.

This may be my last “official” Greig Family Vacation (thanks Mom and Dad... the trip was wonderful and meant the world to me... you’re the best), but I know I will have tons of Fulton (Greig, cough) Family Vacations to come!

Love you dearly and can’t wait to see you soon (and plan the rest of the wedding with you... did you look over the invitation proof yet?).

Your Marie

Once Upon a Time We Got Engaged... (And it took me one million years to write this!)

Originally this post was started at least twenty days ago... however now that I am sitting here with plans of finishing it I almost feel overwhelmed with how much I have to say... a shocking occurrence I am sure you realize. Therefore, I guess the best place to pick up this blog is at the beginning and we will see how I do at getting the many wedding related tidbits onto paper (this may have to turn into another three part saga)... But just for the record I really do try to limit each post to about 10,000 words or so... (Kidding... kind of!).

First, Brandon and I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Hopefully 2010 is better than 2009 and the next decade is better than the last. On a personal note, I am suddenly beside myself because it is now 2010 and that means THIS is the year I am getting married! How did that happen?

That being said, the last blog I published was a pre-amble to Brandon and I going to Nathan Phillip’s Square to celebrate the one year anniversary of our engagement. The night was lovely for many reasons, but it was “extra” lovely because I got to use him as a pack mule to haul a Christmas tree, bells, tinsel, a doll bed, and other assorted items up to the 13th floor of City Hall for my entry in my office’s holiday desk decorating contest (more on that later). However, the trip was worth it as there is nothing better than the view of the Square from City Hall. It is breathtaking – especially once the Christmas lights are all turned on.

We're Engaged!

Once I had finished using and abusing Brandon’s excellent pack mule qualities it was time for skating and to enjoy Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights. It was tons of fun and thankfully not as cold as last year.

OMG!  What a night (I am going to get frost bite on my hand!)

Speaking of the Cavalcade of Lights and the one year anniversary of our engagement I feel it is time I bore (yes bore, I have learned to face reality – another one of my “steps”) everyone with the tale of Brandon proposing (don’t worry I will only provide the Reader’s Digest version)...

It is negative one million and Brandon is still doesn't wear a scarf!

Once upon a time, Brandon and Marie met and fell in love... they dated for a REALLY long time and one day the couple went to Toronto to enjoy the “perfect” Christmas day. Upon their arrival at Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W., Toronto) Brandon led Marie over to the beautiful red and white Christmas tree and handed her a box. Inside the box was a Kleenex and a Band Aid (what an odd gift...); the explanation for the Band Aid was “in case ‘this’ doesn’t fit”, at which point Brandon got down on one knee, pulled out an incredible diamond ring and proposed. However, the surprise ending to this lovely tale was that Marie said... no (gotcha!) – Of course the answer was a clear and certain yes!

The best night ever - December 2008

Okay, now that I have the follow up to my last post off my chest I can now at least deal with wedding events in recent days as opposed to early December! The next exciting event that occurred over the last few weeks was Brandon and I attended our friends’ (Avryl and Ricky) wedding at Trillium Trails on December 19th and it was a beautiful. For us, attending a wedding before our own big day amplified our anticipation and that mingling in with our shared joy for our friends’ happiness created the perfect day.

Heading to the wedding...

However, one of the most exciting moments occurred when I CAUGHT THE BOUQUET! I was thrilled! I used the two finger reach out technique (and did not scratch out anyone’s eyes). Question: Is it lame that before all the “single ladies” went up to do the mad dash for the flowers all I could think of was that this was my last opportunity to catch the bouquet? Therefore, I was committed... I was going to be the lucky one. Thanks Avryl for throwing it to me! And to you both we wish you all the best in your exciting future together!

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Jeffreys

All that December excitement brings me right to Christmas. This Christmas Brandon had to work and we didn’t have a lot of time together and therefore had to capitalize on what we did have. However, Christmas Eve Brandon was off, but I had to work late so he came to City Hall and picked me up (I once more capitalized on his pack mule capabilities and got him to help bring my Christmas Tree home (another reason why I love him!)... by the way I won the desk contest!). We drove back to Whitby and arrived home to my wonderful family. While we munched on cookies (my mom is the best baker in the world) my parents prepared dinner. However, before we dined Brandon and I headed over to his Grandma Marj’s and Grandpa Vic’s place to see his parents and the rest of his extended family for some yuletide good wishes.

Guess I am the next to be married!

Doesn't she make a beautiful bride?

Dinner was honestly one of my high points for 2009 as it had all my favourites... lobster, steak, chocolate chip and banana cake.... mmmm... However, the food was beat by our game of “High/Low”. For those who have never played the game please reference The Story of Us with Michelle Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis... but the basic idea is that everyone at the table has to state their high point of the day/week/month/year (whatever is specified) and their low point. Everyone went around the table and Brandon went last... his low point was having to work Christmas Day, but his high point was finding out whether Amandeep (Megan’s boyfriend) would like to wear a kilt in our wedding and join our wedding party! The answer was a surprised and pleased yes! Welcome to the team Deep!

Okay I just hit word number 959 so I think it is time to stop. However, I won’t be so slow positing now that the holidays are over so just stayed tuned. There is exactly T-Minus 258 days to go and lots more stories and exciting things to share (don’t worry I still have a stock pile from the last few weeks!).

Happy 2010 Everyone!

PS... If you want to check out a picture of the most adorable new baby in the world... see below!  (Carter Landon - Son of Groomsman Lanny and Bridesmaid Lorraine)

They are so cute... Brandon will make such a great dad!

iPhone, Videographer and Ice Skates

My week can best be described by three words: iPhone, videographer and ice skates; an interesting combination I am sure you will agree. I am also positive that you are wondering how at least two of the three have anything to do with my wedding and/or weddings in general. Therefore, sit back, put your feet up, fix yourself a beverage (before you put your feet up), and relax while I fill you in on the comings and goings of the last few days.

First off... my cell phone died. Yes I know I have put this poor electronic device through the ringer (pun intended) – dropping it, losing it, soaking it, forgetting to charge it (etc...), but I do feel that it should last longer than just over a year... regardless of the means I use to torture it.

Therefore, as this is the year 2009 and I cannot commute back and forth to Toronto without a cell phone, my future husband, Mr. Brandon R.M. Fulton was put in charge of taking my phone to Rogers and getting it fixed – Ha! That was a pipe dream; apparently it would cost roughly the equivalent value of an IMF loan for a small country to fix (read: look at and blink).  Consequently, Brandon made an executive decision and when I returned home that evening, to ponder my phoneless life, to what did my wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature iPhone and 3 gigabytes free.

December 6, 2008 - Whitby Santa Clause Parade...

What came next?  He proposed!  What a Year!

Now as many know I am Scottish (read: cheap) and accordingly this purchase got my veins pumping, but after being reassured (and this is ridiculous) that it was cheaper by half to get an iPhone than fix the piece of …. that I owned it was the obvious solution. Therefore, Brandon and I (because my fiancé was going to cry himself to sleep at night if he didn’t get one too) are the proud owners of two bouncing twin iPhones.

This relates to the wedding for several reasons, the first of which is that I actually have time to return e-mails! This may not seem earth shattering to some, but to anyone who has done the bride shtick in the twenty-first century, it is gold. Therefore, to future husbands-to-be my biggest suggestion (read: your life saver) would be to get your future wife-to-be a cell phone that allows her to e-mail, Google (yes Google… I know, I know) and basically organize her life… you will be gold (read: may get dinner cooked for you once a week after the wedding).

Our Santa Hats... He must love me!

Still at Whitby Santa Clause Parade (2008)

However, the ownership of an iPhone comes with a certain level of responsibility (read: Brandon cannot seem to put the thing down!). Therefore, that evening when we met with our soon to be videographer (JM Productions) and wedding planner (Instyle Weddings) it was virtually impossible to drag his attention to the foreground and the task at hand… mind you (and I love her and she is an incredibly hard worker so this is meant completely positively) our wedding planner and him had a beautiful bonding session over the joys of an iPhone and all the applications (beer pong anyone?).

This conversation has brought me to the next word to describe my week… videographer. This has been a point of contention for me as (reference my previous note) I am Scottish (read: cheap may not quite describe it…). Therefore, it was a massive debate whether to go all out and hire one. I have asked everyone – from co-workers, to random GO Train passengers, to my dental hygienist and every single person said that it was a good idea and/or they regretted not having one at their own wedding. My final decision was made with the assistance of my GO Train Buddy/co-worker Denise (you’ll remember her as the one who helped me find Cindy from Michigan (tear… I love Cindy). Denise said that she loved her wedding video, and that it was (gulp) the only video she has of her grandparents smiling and dancing before they passed away… (sniffle). So there you go folks, were there really any other options?

The meeting with the videographer was enjoyable.  Megan, Brandon and Brandon’s iPhone accompanied me (I think we should name it…) to the appointment and it was great. Jonathan (the videographer) seems extremely thorough and I have to say I loved the videos he has done for other people so I am thinking I will love the video he does for us (crossing fingers…). Tamara (the wedding planner) as I said joined us at the appointment and as per usual she was delightful (read: extremely well organized and a good source of entertainment for Brandon). Actually Tamara has offered to be the “iPhone Bearer” at the wedding… [Brandon – if we require an iPhone bearer at the wedding… just assume you are going to be very lonely at the ceremony).

Nathan Phillips Square - Cavalcade of Lights

... not falling on my butt here!

(December 6, 2008)

So that brings me to the concluding descriptor for my week: ice skates. The truth is that I haven’t used them this season yet, but that is coming – tomorrow night in fact. This weekend is the one year anniversary since Brandon proposed! Yes that is right – one year! I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. It is almost surreal that in 288 days Brandon and I will be husband, wife, and iPhone? hmmmm…. Now as I will explain in perhaps my next post Brandon proposed to me at Nathan Phillips Square during the Cavalcade of Lights (picture perfect snow = lovely). Therefore, we are going back this weekend sans snow (thankfully!) to go skating and celebrate that we have survived one year of engagement (iPhone may need to be left at home… for those who are curious I do not abuse my privileges when it comes to the phone because I am perfect… just to avoid any confusion you may have). I am really excited about our plans as there is nothing prettier than the Square decorated with thousands of lights and millions of people whirling around me as I fall on my butt over and over again … oh winter in Canada! Even sitting here typing this I am getting excited – there is nothing like Christmas + wedding planning that gets me ready to bounce (read: looking like I have a nervous twitch by continuously looking at my engagement ring and smiling/laughing/vibrating/dreaming of the future).

Diary of a Wedding Dress Shopper (Part One)

When it is 4:30 in the morning and my alarm clock goes off, I typically liken the experience to the “thrill” of having one’s teeth removed by a three-sheets-to-wind, cell phone texting chimpanzee (please note: I have not gained this knowledge from personal experience). However, this morning the pain typically associated with waking up is almost non-existent, as the BIG day is here: Wedding Dress Shopping Day!

While I am sure you are perched on the edge of your seat waiting for me to explain what came after 4:30 in the morning I thought it would be best if I provided a one minute recap of the last few months of my wedding dress shopping woes before I detail the rest of my day.

One Minute Wedding Dress Recap:

A Monologue by Marie Elizabeth

Act One, Scene One: [Scene: Nathan Phillips Square – Marie and Brandon] “Yes! Yes! Yes! I will marry you Brandon!”

Act Two, Scene One: [Scene: Home – Marie] “Self, this is easy I’ll search the Internet for wedding dresses, find a designer I like and then go to the store that carries that designer...”

Act Three, Scene One: [Scene: All of GTA – Marie] “What do you mean you don’t have this dress?”

Act Three, Scene Two: [Scene: Eaton Centre at Lunch Hour – Marie] “Ring, Ring... Hello Thunder Bay – Hmpf”

Act Three, Scene Three: [Scene: Eaton Centre at Lunch Hour – Marie] “Ring, Ring... Hello Montreal – Urgh and Sigh”

Act Three, Scene Four: [Scene: Eaton Centre at Lunch Hour – Marie] “Ring, Ring... Hello New York – @#$%^&;*#@!?È”

Act Four, Scene One: [Scene: Home – Marie] “Ring, Ring... Hello Pennsylvania – You mean they can bring the dress into the store for me to try on? (15 minutes elapse) WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT IS BACKORDERED UNTIL 2015?! I GIVE UP! But, I still like the dress....”

Act Five, Scene One: [Scene: GO Train – Marie and Denise] “Ring, Ring... Hello Michigan Bridal... Cindy! You rock! Thanks for the top secret telephone number of the dress designer”

Act Five, Scene Two: [Scene: GO Train – Marie and Denise] “Ring, Ring... Hello MB Bridal... Greensburg Pennsylvania here I come!” (Aside: Yes I do think it is madness going to Pennsylvania for a wedding dress)

The End

So with the intense anticipation of going to see the ever elusive dress I have managed to chase across the Eastern Seaboard I was practically vibrating with excitement when my alarm rang at 4:30 in the morning on October 24, 2009.

Therefore, after a stop to grab Mallory (Sue was driving, mom was riding shot gun and Megan was sharing the backseat with me) and a visit to Tim Hortons (mandatory requirement), we hit the road and head south.

Cracker Barrel Has Its Own Map!  Who Knew?

Our first real pit stop was at the visitor centre just across the New York/Pennsylvania border and if you know anything about me and my family you would know that pit stops mean it is time to take pictures. Accordingly, Sue, Mallory, Mom and myself peacefully gathered by the “WELCOME TO PENNSYLVANIA” sign while Megan fiddled with the self timer on her camera so we could take a group picture.  

Welcome to Pennsylvania Ladies!

From Left to Right: Megan, Sue, Mom, Me and Mallory

UNTIL... Enter 60 year old man dressed in army fatigues with matching trucker hat (where is Queer Eye when you need it?).  Despite everyone’s whispered protests the gentleman took the camera and snapped off a few shots of our smiling crew beside the sign. Now please do not get me wrong, I am not a bad person, nor are my friends/family, but I think everyone felt this situation had one too few teeth for our liking (if you know what I mean).

After the mini-photo shoot our stand in photographer uttered a sentence I will never forget for the rest of my life (please sit if you are not already seated as this may be too much, I would also recommend going to the bathroom), the sentence was and forever will be: “Hi, my name is Bicycle Bill AND Jesus Loves you AND so do I”.  Now as you can imagine this is the moment where the situation got awkward and a few members of our party had to divert themselves to the bathroom to avoid embarrassment, while the rest of us headed to the car at top speed with Bicycle Bill not far behind.

Bicycle Bill

Therefore, with mirth and smiles we packed ourselves back into the car (Bill was not far behind – oddly enough he didn’t ride a bicycle) and departed to our end destination: Greensburg, Pennsylvania (for more information or if you too want to visit Greensburg, please visit: http://www.city.greensburg.pa.us/ or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensburg,_Pennsylvania (if you are more the Wikipedia Type)).

We drove and we drove and finally we arrived in Greensburg, Pennsylvania (we didn’t get lost!). And with 5 minutes to spare (we had a 1 pm appointment) we arrived at MB Bridal (for more information in the event you wish to drive seven plus hours to find a wedding dress, please visit: http://www.mbbride.com/).

 On Time Like a Swiss Clock, errrr... Sue Clock?

The anticipation was building and after a few pictures (as we are total nerds) by the sign we ventured inside to find THE dress.  I was impressed with the store as it had lots of dress options (not that we were there for the options) and the staff was fantastic. First, we were shown to our change room (called the “Happiness Room” – a good sign if I have ever seen one before) and then it was time for the dress to be brought in and for me to try on THE dress of my dreams, a dress that will make me smile and feel beautiful, my mom to weep and Brandon to fall in love with me a little more than he has already... WRONG!

 We’re Here!

The dress was MIA and with my heart tucked securely in my throat I searched through the rack of dresses, panicking the entire time that I would not only have my hopes dashed, but would have to explain to the four busy people I dragged more than seven hours from home that we are back at square one and exactly 379.04 miles away from home... GULP!

So what happens next?  Do I find my dress?  Does it actually end up being size 30, a pantsuit and purple?  Does it make my mom cry?  Do I return from Pennsylvania successful?  Well all those answers will have to wait until next time (which will be tomorrow more than likely – assuming swine flu and all the other events of the past few weeks don’t delay my tale!  Sorry everyone for being slow to post as of late - I know this is edge of your seat excitement – cough).  So in an Adam Westian type way – tune in next time, same wedding website, same crazy wedding blogger.

Reason #1012 Why I Love Brandon

Many people are aware of this, but for your information corny is my middle name... I am constantly telling lame jokes and/or laughing at the most ridiculous things.  However, in relation to the wedding I am trying to be reasonable about this delightful personality trait (errr... flaw to some, cough) as I am quite positive no one wants to attend/go to a) a sob fest, b) a reception with lengthy, boring speeches where you debate which utensil to stab yourself in the eye with, and/or c) a room filled with hearts, pictures of kittens, or something equally over the top. 

In fact as a demonstration of how reasonable I am I did not once pout, complain, nag, cry, whine, or have any other emotional outburst when I asked Brandon ten-ish months ago to perform a handfasting ceremony with me one year and a day before our wedding and he said flat out no.  You see I am above that and I have class which is why I did not get upsent when I was told "no way on earth" (that is my polite translation of the situation).

For those of you who are wondering, handfasting is a primarily Scottish tradition that involves the couple-to-be clasping hands and sharing a vow while their hands are bound with ribbon/cord/string (etc...).  This was commonly used back in the "day" (16th, 17th,18th, 19th centuries) because priests were in high demand and sometimes it would take nearly a year before one would pass through the village (thank God for the Model T).  Nowadays this ceremony has become a little bit pagan, but don't worry I am not one to veer off the beaten path (forget broomsticks and toe of newt)... all I wanted was to have a moment to pledge my love in a true Scottish fashion and if our hands were tied, so be it.  For more information visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handfasting.

Mom's Debut...

At any rate, as a result of my maturity and understanding of Brandon's lack of interest in the ceremony I let it slip my mind and continued on with life, until... I was in the bathroom zestfully scrubbing the toilet (on September 17) when the phone rang (FYI this is 9 o'clock at night).  A few seconds later my mother walked into the bathroom and told me I had 10 minutes to get cleaned up as Brandon and I were going to be handfast.  Now as for my reaction, was it joy, surprise, frustration?  No it was confusion... I kept saying, "but I am cleaning the toilet" and asking why if I were going to be HANDFAST would no one see fit to MENTION this fact...  

Nonetheless, the toilet factor actually gave me an opportunity to prove how adept I am at getting my act together.  Therefore 10 minutes later I was dressed (clean) and ready to roll.  Mind you I kept muttering about toilets and cleaning products, but that is entirely beside the point.

When we went outside my parents had lit the gas fire and the deck was filled with candles/torches (two thumbs up to all for style and taste).  My mom (who from this point onwards shall be called the greatest mom ever) performed the ceremony and bound our wrists with 13 different colours of ribbon.  For more information visit: http://www.handfasting.info/h_symbols.html.  PS I am not kidding about my mom she was fantastic!

I guess this is where the saying "attached at the hip" came from...

 The absolute best part of the evening was Brandon.  His vow was tear jerking (as he demonstrated (cough), but don't tell anyone that's a secret and he would kill me if he knew I told!).  He even incorporated his love of my singing voice.  That has to be love and dedication because frankly I have heard the noise I make when I sing and it probably shouldn't even be classified as singing... perhaps more like a screechy off pitch wailing - love might be blind, but who knew it was deaf?

Ummmm... it could be an uncomfortable marriage if we stay like this!

 Between the vows, my wonderful family being there and Mallory joining us as photographer for the night the whole night was wonderful.  Brandon completely fooled me and made the whole thing a surprise... and despite the toilet cleaning I wouldn't of changed a thing (mind you it would have been a nice touch if he had promised to clean toilets for the rest of our marriage, but we can't have it all). 


Pretty good reason to love Brandon, eh?